FAA seeks info to boost air traffic systems’ cyber, quantum defenses

FedScoop reports that the Federal Aviation Administration has requested information from potential private-sector partners to help strengthen defenses against cyber and quantum threats, including improving security operations and assessing gaps in the National Airspace System and Air Traffic Control.

Aside from looking for contractors to help with tasks, including incident response coordination, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing, the FAA will also be reviewing the National Airspace System's cybersecurity to find gaps, evaluate new tools, and suggest upgrades amid plans to transition NAS, IT, and ATC systems to post-quantum cryptography.

"Without quantumresistant, cryptoagile security, the NAS cannot achieve the reliability, performance, or international leadership required in the decades ahead," the FAA stated in its request for information.

The effort comes roughly two years before the FAA's goal of deploying a new air traffic control system by the end of 2028. Organizations could submit responses for the FAA's cybersecurity survey and request for information until Mar. 18 and Apr. 10, respectively.